Careful examination of birds brought to the study team by local hunters revealed the Sulawesi streaked flycatcher differs from other flycatchers in its feathers, body structure, song, and genetic makeup.

The new species is distinguished by its mottled throat markings, strongly hooked bill, and shorter wings and tail. Its song is similar to that of other Asian flycatchers, with whistles, chirps, and trills, but it is slightly higher pitched. (See an interactive map of birds threatened around the world.)

While its plumage is most similar to that of the gray-streaked flycatcher, genetic analysis revealed the Sulawesi streaked flycatcher is more closely related to the Asian brown flycatcher(M. dauurica siamensis).

The new species also appears to be widespread, likely because it does not need pristine forest to survive and can tolerate living in habitats disturbed by human activity.

"Birds are the most well-known animal class on earth, so the fact that a novel bird species can still be found on the well-explored island of Sulawesi in the 21st century," Rheindt said, "demonstrates how little we actually know about our planet."